So you’re thinking about a 13 day Morocco tour, huh? Smart move. Here’s the thing—13 days is like the Goldilocks of Morocco trips. Not too short that you’re sprinting through souks, not too long that you’re wondering what to do with yourself. It’s just… right.
I’m gonna be real with you: after planning way too many trips to Morocco (both mine and my friends’), I’ve figured out that thirteen days is the magic number. You get to camp in the Sahara, get lost in blue alleyways, haggle for carpets you definitely don’t need, and still have time to actually, you know, relax.
Here’s the TL;DR:
- Where to fly into: Casablanca if you want options, Marrakech if you want instant vibes
- Can’t-miss spots: The Sahara Desert near Merzouga, Chefchaouen (the blue Instagram city), and the wild medina in Fes
- What it’ll cost you: Anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 per person if you’re doing it mid-range
- Getting around: Hire a driver if you value your sanity, or brave the trains and buses if you’re feeling adventurous
Okay But Why Exactly 13 Days?
Good question! Look, here’s the math: you’ve probably got two weeks of vacation, right? Take away your travel days (because let’s face it, you’re losing at least one full day to flights and layovers), and boom—13 days on the ground in Morocco.
What’s cool about a 13 day Morocco tour itinerary is you don’t have to choose between seeing the desert OR the cities. You can do both without feeling like you’re speed-running through a country. You’re not living out of your suitcase every single night, but you’re also covering enough ground to really get what Morocco’s all about.
Plus, you’ve got wiggle room. Met some cool travelers who want to grab dinner? You can. Found an amazing pottery workshop in some random village? You’ve got time. That’s the beauty of it.
The Boring But Important Stuff (I Promise It’s Quick)
When Should You Actually Go?
Okay, so Morocco’s weather is all over the place depending on where you are. Your best bets? Spring (March through May) or fall (September to November). April and October are basically perfect—you’re looking at like 75°F in Marrakech, and the desert won’t cook you alive.
Summer? Unless you enjoy feeling like a rotisserie chicken, maybe skip June-August for the inland cities. Though the coast stays nice and breezy. Winter’s not bad if you don’t mind some chill in the northern cities, plus way fewer tourists.
Oh, and if you’re traveling during Ramadan, just know restaurants might have weird hours and things move at a different pace. Still totally doable, just… different.
How the Heck Do You Get Around?
This is a big one because it seriously affects your 13 day Morocco tour cost and your stress levels.
Hire a private driver: Yeah, it’s $60-150 a day depending on how fancy you want to get, but hear me out—it’s SO worth it for thirteen days. Especially when you’re doing the desert route where buses are basically nonexistent. Your driver becomes your navigator, cultural translator, and honestly? Usually a pretty cool person to hang with. They know where to stop for the best tagine.
Do the train and bus thing: Morocco’s trains are actually pretty solid. The high-speed one from Casablanca to Tangier is legitimately impressive. CTM and Supratours buses cover everywhere else. You’ll save money (like $10 a day), but you’ll also spend more time in transit and figuring out schedules.
Pro tip: Grab a Maroc Telecom or Orange eSIM the second you land. Data’s cheap and having Google Maps in those medinas will literally save your life. Or at least save you from walking in circles for an hour.
The “See Everything” Itinerary (For the Ambitious)
This one’s for people who want the full Morocco experience and don’t mind some long car rides.
Day 1: Hello, Casablanca!
You’ll probably fly into Casablanca, which is cool because the Hassan II Mosque is absolutely massive and gorgeous. Fun fact: it’s one of the only mosques in Morocco where non-Muslims can actually go inside, so don’t skip it. The minaret is like 689 feet tall and literally hangs over the ocean—your Instagram’s gonna love you.
If you get in early enough, walk along the Corniche. Otherwise, crash for the night or hop a train to Rabat.
Day 2: Rabat & Meknes (The Chill Capitals)
Rabat’s Morocco’s capital, and honestly? It’s way more relaxed than Marrakech or Fes. Check out Hassan Tower (it’s this unfinished minaret from way back), then wander through Kasbah des Oudaias. It’s got blue and white buildings like Chefchaouen but without the tourist crowds. You’re welcome.
Then head toward Fes but stop at Volubilis on the way—these Roman ruins are surprisingly well-preserved and pretty cool if you’re into ancient history stuff.
Days 3-4: Fes (Prepare to Get Lost)
Okay, Fes is intense. The old medina is a UNESCO site and has like 9,000+ alleyways. You WILL get lost. Just accept it now. But that’s half the fun?
The Chouara Tannery is a must-see—they’ve been dyeing leather the same way for literally centuries. Warning: it smells… intense. Like, really intense. But those rainbow dye pits make for incredible photos.
Hit up the Al-Attarine Madrasa for some mind-blowing tilework, and definitely walk through the Blue Gate. For dinner, try pastilla—it’s this sweet and savory pie that sounds weird (traditionally pigeon, but usually chicken now) but tastes amazing.
Watch out: Guys near the tanneries will offer to show you “the best view” and then expect like 100 dirhams. Either say no thanks or agree on a price beforehand. Don’t let them guilt-trip you.
Day 5: Road Trip Through “Moroccan Switzerland”
The drive south is actually really pretty. You’ll go through Ifrane, which looks like someone dropped a Swiss ski town in the middle of Morocco. Super clean, weirdly European architecture—it’s bizarre but cool.
Stop at the Cedar Forest to see Barbary macaques (basically monkeys). They’re cute but also kinda aggressive, so watch your stuff. Some peanuts for photos are fine, but don’t let them near your bag.
Day 6: The Sahara (!!!)
This is THE day. The reason you came. You’ll get to Merzouga in the afternoon, hop on a camel, and ride into the actual Sahara Desert for sunset. The silence out there is honestly kind of surreal—no birds, no bugs, just wind and sand.
The desert camps are way nicer than you’d think. Like, actual beds, real bathrooms, good food. After dinner, Berber musicians play around the fire and the stars are absolutely insane. Set an alarm for sunrise—trust me on this one.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try sandboarding down the dunes. It’s exactly what it sounds like and it’s ridiculously fun.
Day 7: Gorges and Valleys (Nature Day)
Drive through Todra Gorges where these massive limestone cliffs tower over you—rock climbers actually come here from all over. Then continue to Dades Valley to see the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. They’re these weird erosion towers that genuinely look like fingers sticking out of the ground.
Stay in a traditional kasbah hotel. Most are family-run and the home-cooked dinner alone is worth it.
Day 8: Movie Star Territory
Ouarzazate is basically Morocco’s Hollywood. Game of Thrones, Gladiator, a bunch of other stuff filmed here. You can tour Atlas Studios if you’re into that.
But the real star is Ait Ben Haddou—this ancient fortified village that’s been in like a million movies. It’s UNESCO-listed and absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunset.
Days 9-11: Marrakech (The Main Event)
Welcome to chaos! Marrakech hits you like a wall of sound, smell, and color. In the best way possible.
Day 9: Head straight to Jemaa el-Fnaa square when the sun goes down. It turns into this wild night market with snake charmers, henna artists, and food stalls everywhere. Fresh orange juice is like 40 cents. The grilled meats are incredible. Just dive in.
Day 10: Recover at Jardin Majorelle—this electric blue garden that Yves Saint Laurent saved is like an oasis of calm. The attached museum is cool too. Then check out Bahia Palace in the afternoon. The painted ceilings are ridiculous.
Day 11: Either hit the souks for shopping (start at 40% of whatever they ask, seriously) or treat yourself to a hammam. The traditional bath/scrub/massage combo is like $20-40 and your skin will feel like butter.
Day 12: Choose Your Own Adventure
You’ve got options! Drive to Ourika Valley for waterfalls and Berber villages, or check out Ouzoud Falls where monkeys hang out near 300-foot cascades. Or honestly? Just chill on a rooftop terrace with mint tea. You’ve earned it.
Day 13: Peace Out, Morocco
Most flights leave morning or afternoon from Marrakech or back in Casablanca. Build in extra time because nothing moves super fast here, and that’s okay.
The “I Hate Long Car Rides” Version
Not everyone wants to spend hours in a car every day. Fair. Here’s a more relaxed 13 day Morocco tour itinerary:
Days 1-2: Start in Tangier (you can even ferry over from Spain if you’re fancy). Explore the kasbah and the Corniche.
Days 3-4: Head to Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. It’s gorgeous, way more chill than other places, and the hike to Akchour Waterfalls is beautiful.
Days 5-7: Slow down in Fes. Take your time in the medina without rushing.
Days 8-10: Train it to Marrakech (the trains are comfy, btw) and spend three days exploring.
Days 11-13: Finish at the beach in Essaouira. Fresh seafood, Portuguese ramparts, kitesurfers everywhere, and way less intense than Marrakech. Perfect way to wind down.
Let’s Talk Money (The Real Talk)
Here’s what a 13 day Morocco tour cost actually looks like:
| What You’re Spending On | Budget Mode | Mid-Range | Treating Yourself |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where You Sleep | $20/night (hostels) | $60-80/night (riads) | $200+/night (fancy riads) |
| Food | $15/day (street food) | $35/day (real restaurants) | $80+/day (fine dining) |
| Getting Around | $10/day (bus/train) | $60/day (rental car) | $150/day (private driver) |
| Tours & Fun Stuff | DIY everything | $50/day (group tours) | $300/day (private guides) |
| Total for 13 Days | ~$800 | ~$1,800 | ~$3,500+ |
This assumes two people splitting costs. Solo travelers, add about 30-40% for single room supplements and stuff.
Stuff Nobody Tells You (But I Will)
Want to sound like you actually know Morocco? Here’s the insider stuff:
Breakfast hack: Get msemen (these amazing flaky pancakes) and dip them in amoulou—it’s this almond and argan oil spread that’s basically addictive. Buy a jar at the market to take home.
Marrakech scam alert: Super friendly guys will offer to walk you to your riad, then expect like $10 USD as a tip. Just use Google Maps or have your riad pick you up.
Pro timing: Hit popular spots right when they open (usually 9 AM) before the tour buses arrive. You’ll practically have the place to yourself.
Questions Everyone Asks
Is 13 days actually enough for Morocco?
Yep! You’ll hit the Imperial Cities (Fes, Marrakech, Rabat), see the Sahara, and not feel like you’re sprinting through everything. It’s the perfect amount of time to really experience Morocco without burning out.
Do I need a visa?
Nope! If you’re from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or the EU, you’re good for 90 days. Just make sure your passport’s valid for at least six months after your trip.
Should I drive myself?
Ehhh, maybe not? The highways are fine, but city driving in Marrakech is basically Mad Max. For a thirteen-day trip, a driver is so worth it—less stress, local knowledge, and you can actually look at the scenery instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel.
What do I pack?
Imodium (trust me), a lightweight scarf (for mosques and desert sun), a universal adapter (Type C/E plugs), and cash in dirhams for rural areas. Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees—and you’ll blend in better and get more respect.
Final Thoughts (You’re Gonna Love It)
Look, a 13 day Morocco tour is one of those trips that just… works. You’ll come home with memories you can practically taste—the predawn call to prayer echoing through Fes, the impossible silence of the Sahara at midnight, the controlled chaos of Marrakech’s souks, and probably at least one story about getting invited for tea by a complete stranger who expected nothing in return.
Book your riads early if you’re going in April or October—those months are peak season and the good places in the medinas fill up fast. And honestly? Get travel insurance. Morocco’s generally reliable but strikes and weather can mess with plans sometimes.
Here’s the thing about Morocco: it reveals itself slowly. Thirteen days gives you enough time to peel back the layers and actually understand why people fall completely in love with this place. And between you and me? You’ll probably start planning your return trip before you even leave.
Ready to Make It Happen?
Planning a 13 day Morocco tour can feel overwhelming with all the logistics—finding reliable drivers, booking authentic riads, timing everything just right. That’s where we come in.
At Marruecos4U, we’ve been helping travelers experience Morocco authentically since [year]. We’re not about cookie-cutter tours or rushing you through checklist attractions. We’re about creating trips that actually match how you want to travel—whether that’s the full desert loop, a relaxed coastal journey, or something completely customized.
We handle the stuff that’s tricky from abroad (finding English-speaking drivers you can trust, booking riads that aren’t sketchy, navigating the best routes), while you focus on the fun parts. Our team is Moroccan, so you’re getting real local knowledge, not generic guidebook stuff.
Want to chat about your Morocco plans? We’re here to help—no pressure, just real talk about what would work best for your trip. Check out Marruecos4U or shoot us a message with your questions.